College football picks, schedule: ATS predictions, odds for the top 25 games today in week 5

Although this is only week five of the 2021 college football season, a lot will be decided on Saturday with several top-25 clashes on the slate and plenty of other ranked teams in action against tough opponents. Four straight weeks of unpredictable finishes and upheavals have set the stage for what should be the remaining two-thirds of the season.

There are four games between ranked opponents on Saturday with No.8 Arkansas visiting No.2 in Georgia, No.7 Cincinnati against No.9 Notre Dame as the road favorite, No. ° 12 Ole Miss from Lane Kiffin facing former boss Nick Saban. 1 Alabama in the SEC on CBS Game of the Week, and undefeated Big 12 programs coming together when No. 21 Baylor visits No. 19 in Oklahoma State. A total of 23 ranked teams will be in action on Saturday with the other two – No.5 in Iowa and No.13 in BYU – facing frequent opponents on Friday night.

While winning is all that matters for the standings, we do care whether these teams will cover their gaps. Be sure to stick with CBS Sports throughout the day for college football coverage, from the opening kickoff Saturday to the final whistle. Let’s take a look at our expert picks for the fifth full Saturday of the season.

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# 8 Arkansas to # 2 Georgia

Noon | ESPN, fuboTV (Try for free) – This massive spread appears to be an overreaction to Georgia’s recent explosive offensive sorties against outclassed enemies. Keep in mind that this team failed to score an offensive touchdown against Clemson in Week 1. Arkansas have already proven their superiority against two quality opponents this season, and those wins over Texas and Texas A&M will give him more than enough confidence to go between the Hedges and give the Bulldogs a close combat. Prediction: Arkansas (+18.5) –David Cobb

# 14 Michigan in Wisconsin

Noon | Fox, fuboTV (Try for free) – Based on what I’ve written before, you’ve probably figured out which direction I’m headed. I know it’s been a long time since Michigan won in Madison, WI, and it will be the toughest test the Wolverines have faced so far (this is their first game on the road) , but I can’t trust Wisconsin. The Badgers offense has played too poorly, and that Michigan defense has been just as strong – if not better – than the Penn State and Notre Dame defenses that have already stifled it this season. The Wisconsin defense will keep him close, but I don’t see them winning this game unless the Badgers score on defense or on special teams. Prediction: Michigan (+1) – Tom Fornelli

No. 7 Cincinnati at No. 9 Notre Dame

2:30 p.m. | NBC, fuboTV (Try for free) – There is just something surprising about seeing Cincinnati favored at Notre Dame. The Bearcats are worthy favorites based on all the talent accumulated and the high standard set by coach Luke Fickell, but I’ll take the team that rides right now. The Fighting Irish seem to be offering winning games in close games every week so if I think it will be a close game I will take the house dog who is hot. Prediction: Notre Dame (+2) – Chip Patterson

No. 12 Ole Miss at No. 1 Alabama

3:30 p.m. | CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports app – That 79.5 plus / minus in this game is the highest of an FBS game in four seasons, which suggests that both teams will have great success going up and down the pitch. This will play directly into the hands of Ole coach Miss Lane Kiffin. Ole Miss will use the tempo, quarterback Matt Corral will have a record-breaking day in the air and on the ground, and this game will be in doubt deep into the fourth quarter. In the end, Crimson Tide QB Bryce Young will make a few late games to win an instant classic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Bama will win but will not cover. Prediction: Ole Miss (+14.5) – Barrett Sallee

Indiana at # 4 in Penn State

7:30 p.m. | ABC, fuboTV (Try for free) – Last season, the Hoosiers enjoyed turnovers en route to their best season in a long time. Their +41 turnovers points margin tied for 10th nationally with Ohio State, but keep in mind the Hoosiers have only played eight games. This season, Indiana ranks 95th nationally with a -7 margin on sales. If Indiana can handle football, he can hang on to the Nittany Lions. Unfortunately, nothing that I have seen of the Hoosiers leads me to believe that they will be able to do this. Indiana kept him near the start of the third quarter, but Penn State put the game on the sidelines after that. Prediction: Indiana (-10.5) – Tom Fornelli

# 22 Auburn at LSU

9 p.m. ESPN, fuboTV (Try for free) – I’ll take LSU to win and cover in large part due to Auburn’s recent defensive struggles. The Plains Tigers are allowing 6.5 yards per game, and the secondary will struggle to stop LSU quarterback Max Johnson and star receiver Kayshon Boutte. Make no mistake, it won’t be a blowout – far from it – but Johnson will be a game or two late to come out of there with a win. Prediction: LSU (-3.5) – Barrett Sallee

What college football picks can you confidently make in Week 5, and which top 25 favorite will be hit hard? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread – all from a proven computer model that has grossed nearly $ 3,300 in profits over the past five+ seasons – and find out.